During the 1970s, the Cubs saw many of their greats ride off into the sunset. Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks retires from the game in 1971 with 512 home runs. Three years later he and his familiar greeting of, "Let's play two!" are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Billy Williams, who in 1971 becomes the first player in NL history to play in 1,000 consecutive games, is traded to Oakland on October 23, 1974. Ron Santo, who personified the hot corner for the second half of the century-even long after he retired from the game-is traded to the White Sox in 1973. Fireballer Fergie Jenkins is shuttled off to the Texas Rangers. In return the Cubs received two infielders, one of which was Bill Madlock. Names synonymous with Cubs baseball-Charlie Root, Gabby Hartnett, Stan Hack and owner Philip Knight Wrigley all passed away in this decade, with the reins of the team being passed to Wrigley's only son, William.

1970

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July 6, 1970: Ron Santo tallies 10 RBIs as Cubs take two from Expos.

1971

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August 24, 1971: Ernie Banks hits his 512th and final career home run in Cubs' 5-4 loss vs. Cincinnati.